A FORMER Mayor is retiring from civic life in May -- although she will continue to be involved in the voluntary sector.

Cllr Evelyne Smith who has represented the people of Hindsford for the past four years has decided not to stand for re-election on May 2.

It has been an eventful four years for Cllr Smith. Sadly, her husband the late Cllr Bill Smith, died in September 1999 while he was the mayor of Wigan and she took over the role.

Evelyne continued as the mayor until 2000 with her daughter, Elaine Stevenson, taking the role of mayoress.

Evelyne, aged 59, explained why she has now decided to step down from the council: "I just need a break. I would have been retiring from work next year anyway."

I have also met someone else who lives in Stockport so I do not have a lot of time.

"I will still be in the Early Years partnership and will still be involved in the culture partnership. I just wanted more time to myself."

She says it is uncertain whether she would have been able to stand for re-election even if she had wanted to as she is currently suffering with kidney stones.

Former ambulance driver Evelyne, has been a Labour party member for the past ten years and she was elected as a councillor in 1998.

She has fond memories of her time as mayor: "It was wonderful being able to raise money for the charities Bill had picked and meeting with the region's civic leaders."

A particular highlight was going to a Buckingham Palace garden party.

She said: "I will miss lots of things about being a councillor, but I will still be involved in the community centre, the early years and will still be a member of the Labour party."